This just might be a looong year....

The last day of each week, Emily's teacher gives a short little "progress note." It just has a few statements such as:

1. Plays nicely with my classmates.
2. Follows the class/school rules.
3. Works quietly.
4. Completes work in a timely manner.
5. Completes work to the best of my ability.

There are two columns for a check....satisfactory and needs improvement. Well, the first week she got a satisfactory check for 4 out of 5 of the areas. She talks too much. That wasn't shocking. Emily and I had a discussion about working quietly so all of the children can concentrate and she understood that she needed to respect Mrs. R's rules. No problem. On that Monday for the second week of school, Mrs. R sent home a very nice note stating that Emily is doing great, adjusting to waiting and accepting that she can't answer all of the questions. She also stated that she put a basket of books beside her desk so that when she finishes her work she can look at books. Mrs. R said that Emily LOVED this and it has helped her remain quiet while the rest of the class finishes working. Sounds positive and proactive. GREAT.

Fast forward to this past Wednesday, which was the last day of school for the week since they had off from school Thursday and Friday. Emily got Satisfactory checks in all five areas....WOOHOO!!!!!!!!! However, at the bottom of this progress note there was a "comment ." It simply stated.....

"Emily had a great week except today she lost playtime for stomping her feet and sticking her tongue at me for not calling on her." OH BOY!!!!!

My first inclination was to send back a note to the teacher stating.....

Dear Mrs. R,

I think there must be some mistake. My angel girl would NEVER do such a thing. As a matter of fact, if she DID, then she must have been provoked in some way. If she knows the answer it is only fair that SHE be the one to answer it EVERY time she raises her cute little hand. In the future, Mrs. R, I would suggest that you just call on her EVERY time and she may not feel compelled to stick her tongue out at you OR stomp her foot at you. I think in this situation.....you deserved it.

Sincerely,

The teacher's kid's mother.

Of course, I didn't send that note LOL. Emily and I had a discussion about being respectful and that sticking out her tongue AND stomping her feet was rude behavior. We spoke about how everyone needs a turn and that she cannot always be called on. She will write a letter of apology and she did not earn playing a board game with me on Wednesday night. Let's hope this doesn't happen again. I suspect that this is just the beginning......................................